Thornton Niven Wilder, esteemed for his profound contributions to American literature, earned three Pulitzer Prizes during his career. Born into a family that appreciated letters, his upbringing was marked by constant relocations due to his father’s career. His works continue to capture imaginations, exploring deep philosophical questions through both novels and plays.

Early Life and Education

Thornton Wilder entered the world on April 17, 1897, in Madison, Wisconsin. His father, Amos Parker Wilder, was the editor of the Wisconsin State Journal, while his mother, Isabella Thornton Niven Wilder, came from a family of literary inclination. Despite his father’s skepticism about the literary profession, all five Wilder siblings pursued careers in writing. The family moved frequently, living in places such as Hong Kong and New Haven, which provided Wilder with a cultured upbringing. After attending high schools in Chefoo, China, and in California, Wilder studied at Oberlin College before completing his undergraduate degree at Yale University in 1920. His education was briefly interrupted by World War I, where he served as a corporal. Wilder further enriched his knowledge with a year at the American Academy in Rome, an experience that inspired his first novel, The Cabala. He finalized his formal education with a master's degree in French from Princeton University in 1926.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Between 1921 and 1928, Wilder balanced teaching French at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey with his writing ambitions. His play, The Trumpet Shall Sound, was submitted to the American Laboratory Theatre in 1926 but received lukewarm reviews, including one from The New York Times that described it as "a rather murky evening." Despite this setback, Wilder's determination to write never waned. He worked tirelessly on The Bridge of San Luis Rey, a novel set in colonial Peru that weaves a narrative around a tragic bridge collapse. This novel, which explores the themes of fate and destiny, earned Wilder his first Pulitzer Prize and solidified his reputation as a writer of note.

Becoming a Full-Time Writer

In 1928, with the success of his novel, Wilder left his teaching position to focus exclusively on writing. He published The Woman of Andros, a novel set in ancient Greece, addressing existential questions such as "How does one live?" and "What does one do first?" Known for drawing on themes from the Bible and classical sources, Wilder offered fresh perspectives on timeless questions. As his fame grew, he embarked on journeys across Europe with boxing champion Gene Tunney and delivered lectures throughout America, gathering inspiration for future projects. One of his theatrical experiments, The Long Christmas Dinner, highlighted his innovative approach to reducing stage props and enhancing plot and character development. His travels eventually drew him to settle in the Midwest.

Academic Ventures and Literary Triumphs

From 1930 to 1936, Wilder joined the University of Chicago as a lecturer in literature. The university, under the leadership of Robert M. Hutchins, emphasized a core program of humanities centered around "great books." While teaching, Wilder split his time between instructing a large literature course and a smaller writing seminar, allowing him ample time to write. The period was marked by both acclaim and controversy. Admired by society circles, he faced criticism from academics who perceived his work as lacking social depth. A significant blow came from Michael Gold's essay in The New Republic, accusing Wilder of avoiding relevant social issues. Nevertheless, his novel, Heaven’s My Destination, was selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club.

Success in Theater

Wilder's belief in theater as "the greatest of all art forms" motivated him to move to New Haven...